On November 28, 2025, millions of Americans will line up—not for doorbuster TVs, but for free Apple devices. T-Mobile US, Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., AT&T Inc., and Boost Mobile have unveiled their most aggressive Black Friday promotions yet: unreleased iPhone 17 models bundled with iPads and Apple Watches, all wrapped in complex bill credit deals that could save customers up to $1,899. But here’s the catch: these aren’t discounts. They’re financial obligations disguised as gifts.
The $1,899 Trap: T-Mobile’s High-Stakes Bundle
T-Mobile’s offer is the most enticing—and the most restrictive. Customers who trade in an eligible phone can walk out with an iPhone 17 Pro, an iPad (A16), and an Apple Watch SE3—all free, in theory. But the catch? Those devices aren’t yours until you’ve paid for them over two and a half years.
Here’s how it works: 24 monthly bill credits cover the iPhone 17 Pro. Another 36 months of credits cover the iPad and Apple Watch. That’s three years of payments just to unlock the “free” accessories. And if you cancel your service before then? You owe the remaining balance. Fast. No grace period. No negotiation. T-Mobile’s terms are clear: early payoff kills the credits. Account cancellation? You’re on the hook for the full device cost.
And don’t forget the $35 device connection fee per item. That’s $105 just to get started. Plus, you must be a “well-qualified” customer—meaning excellent credit. New customers must add all three devices to their cart at once. Existing customers? They have to buy the phone first, then come back later for the tablet and watch. It’s a maze.
Verizon’s No-Trade-In Alternative
But what if you don’t have an old phone to trade in? Or you’re tired of the trade-in hassle? Verizon Communications Inc. has your back—sort of. Their Black Friday deal offers the same bundle: iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple Watch, and iPad. No trade-in required. But you must activate a new line on select Unlimited plans. And yes, you still need separate plans for the watch and iPad.
It’s a clever play: Verizon isn’t subsidizing devices. They’re subsidizing customer acquisition. Every new line means a new 24- or 36-month contract. The company’s margins are protected. The customer? They’re locked in. And if they try to switch carriers before the credits clear? They’ll pay dearly.
AT&T’s iPhone 16 Clearance Strategy
While T-Mobile and Verizon chase the future, AT&T Inc. is clearing out the past. They’re slashing the price of the iPhone 16 to $7.99 per month—down from $20.28. That’s a 60% drop. But here’s the twist: AT&T’s website still advertises “iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max & Air” deals, yet provides zero pricing details for those unreleased models.
This isn’t a promotion. It’s damage control. With the iPhone 17 launching in September 2025, AT&T is desperate to move inventory. The $7.99 deal likely requires a two-year contract and credit approval. And if you’re hoping for an iPhone 17 at that price? Don’t count on it. AT&T’s messaging is deliberately vague—likely to avoid regulatory scrutiny over advertising unreleased products.
Boost Mobile’s Beta Beta Beta
Boost Mobile, Dish Network’s budget carrier, is playing a different game. They’re not pushing the iPhone 17. Instead, they’re promoting the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15—and making a bold technical claim: “Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on all iPhone 17 models, iPhone 16.”
This is significant. Apple Intelligence, the AI-powered feature set announced in June 2024, was originally slated for iPhone 15 Pro and newer. But Boost’s announcement—echoing Apple Inc.’s typical rollout patterns—suggests Apple may extend the feature to older models. That could be a game-changer for budget buyers. It also means Boost is betting on software, not hardware, as the real selling point.
Why This Matters: The Carrier Subsidy Machine
Industry analyst Ben Bajarin of Creative Strategies says carrier subsidies drive 65–70% of all U.S. smartphone sales during the holiday season. That’s not marketing. That’s infrastructure. Without these deals, most Americans couldn’t afford a new iPhone. But the trade-off is long-term lock-in.
These promotions aren’t about generosity. They’re about retention. Once you’re on a 36-month bill credit plan, switching carriers becomes expensive. And with the FCC and FTC requiring strict disclosure of credit terms, carriers are walking a legal tightrope. The fine print is longer than the terms of service for your streaming service.
What’s Next? The Apple Intelligence Wildcard
Apple’s planned beta release of Apple Intelligence for iPhone 16 and 17 models in late 2025 could reshape the entire market. If older phones get AI features previously reserved for flagships, Apple’s upgrade cycle slows. And if Boost Mobile’s claim holds true, even iPhone 15 users might get access. That could make T-Mobile’s $1,899 bundle look less like a steal—and more like a gamble.
Meanwhile, the carriers are already planning for 2026. The iPhone 18 will launch in September. The cycle continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get an iPhone 17 Pro for free from T-Mobile?
Technically, yes—but only if you stay with T-Mobile for 36 months. You’ll receive monthly bill credits that cover the device cost, but cancel your service early and you owe the full remaining balance. The $35 connection fee per device and credit qualification requirements make this a high-barrier offer, not a true giveaway.
Why does Verizon require a new line for their no-trade-in deal?
Verizon uses new lines as a customer acquisition tool. By requiring a fresh account, they avoid subsidizing existing customers who might otherwise switch devices. It’s a way to grow their subscriber base without reducing revenue from current users. Each new line means a new 24- to 36-month contract.
Is the iPhone 16 deal from AT&T a good value?
If you don’t need the latest features, yes—$7.99/month is a steal. But you’re getting a one-year-old model, and the deal likely requires a two-year contract. The real value is in AT&T’s inventory clearance: they’re offloading iPhone 16 units to make room for the iPhone 17 launch, not rewarding loyal customers.
Will Apple Intelligence work on iPhone 15 and 16?
Boost Mobile claims it will, and Apple’s historical pattern supports this. Apple has previously extended major software features to older models—like Face ID and A12 chip enhancements. If true, this could extend the usable life of older iPhones and reduce upgrade pressure, making carrier subsidies less necessary over time.
Are these Black Friday deals available outside the U.S.?
No. All promotional materials from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Boost Mobile explicitly limit these offers to U.S. territories. International customers won’t see these deals on their carrier websites. Apple’s global pricing and carrier partnerships vary significantly, making U.S.-only promotions common for subsidized hardware.
What happens if I lose my phone or it breaks before the credits are done?
You’re still responsible for the remaining balance. Insurance doesn’t erase your contract. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to pay off the remainder to avoid credit damage. Carriers don’t forgive debt because your phone broke—only because you fulfilled the full term.
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